"Dress Your Dog with a Smile and a Fresh Luxurious Coat"

Realize that there are a number of things that can keep your dog's coat from looking its best – and many of them are simply a part of her normal world.

For example, if she spends time swimming, excavating gopher holes, or romping through fields, she could end up with a less-than-beautiful coat. And many of these forces are an unavoidable part of a dog's world. Rather than confine your dear pup, who was bred to live in the Great Outdoors, it might be wiser to use a product to help your dog's coat look its best. Here's how…

Do You Give Your Dog Anywhere Near the Hygiene You Give Yourself?

Your dog's feet are like a wet sponge – picking up much of what appears on her daily route. So keeping them clean can help keep her comfortable.

You shower and wash your hair every day… but how many days pass without your pretty pooch getting one?

Just as you would never consider going weeks without cleaning up, perhaps you shouldn't make your precious four-legged family member wait that long either. Especially in summer when she sweats and may even stink. After all, she can't just remove her coat like you can. She's forced to wear it day and night.

What's worse, her feet are like a wet sponge they're bare, moist, and collect much of what appears on her path. Again, you can take off your shoes to keep the dirt out of your house and off you, but can your dog?

Since she probably spends more time outside picking up who-knows-what during spring, summer and fall, frequent bathing is more important at those times.

It's a good idea to help your four-legged family member be as clean and comfortable as possible – to do for her what you do for yourself.

But don't panic… Bathing your dog doesn't have to be a dreaded chore.

Before we dive into how to do her bath, let's quickly touch on what not to do from a birds' eye view.

Why You Need to Pay Attention to Her Food Supply

Eating a species-appropriate diet which provides the nutrients your dog needs cannot help but impact the quality of her skin and hair.

While it's true that AAFCO has established minimum nutritional requirements for dogs and addresses which ingredients are appropriate, the organization does not address the quality of ingredients pet food producers include in their formulas. Meeting their basic requirements to stay healthy… and providing optimal nutrition in a species-appropriate manner are two entirely different issues.

In my opinion, a healthy, species-appropriate dog diet should include:

High quality protein – muscle meat, not pieces or parts

Moderate level of animal fat

High levels of EPA and DHA

High moisture content

A few fresh cut veggies and bit of fruit (mimics prey's stomach contents)

No grains

No potatoes or other starches

This will go a long way toward making your dog feel comfortable in her own skin and hair.

Now, here's your quick clean guide… If you're already an expert, feel free to skip to the next section.

How to Make Bath Time Fun for Your Dog

Do everything possible to make your dog's bath time a fun and rewarding experience, despite her potential initial skepticism. It will pay off in spades later.

Place cotton balls in her ears (even if you don't plan to get her head wet)… Place her in the tub, and pour water over her back, legs, paws, tail and undercarriage. Get her thoroughly wet, especially if she has a full or long coat. It will make lathering and rinsing easier.

Incidentally, NEVER pour water over your dog's head. She can develop secondary ear infections from moisture in her ear canal. I also don't recommend lathering anywhere around your dog's head – even if the shampoo says it's safe around the eyes.

I'll talk in more detail about shampoo in a moment…

Pour a strip of shampoo down your dog's back, and lather. If your dog has dense or double-coated hair, I recommend you pre-mix the shampoo with water before applying it for better distribution.

Wash her armpits and under her neck. Go over their belly, groin, and all four legs and especially their paws (which, as noted above, pick up the most dirt, every step of her life).

Be sure to thoroughly rinse all soaps and shampoo residue off your dog, which may take a few minutes with a densely-coated dog. Don't let this residue dry on her skin.

Now take your washcloth and wipe away any debris that may have collected on her face or in her facial folds.

Wipe off the excess water with your hand, grab a towel, and pat her dry.

Keep her warm, especially in the colder months. It's easy for her to become chilled with wet skin and fur. Never let her get to the point of trembling.

When you remove the cotton balls from her ears, check for dirt and debris. Swab them out with a cotton ball dampened with water or a special ear cleaner. Repeat until the cotton ball comes out clean.

If she tolerates her bath well, you can blow dry on low heat. But don't try this if she's not content with her bathing process. And stop immediately if she becomes nervous or anxious.

One of the Most Common Questions I Get Asked

How often should I bathe my dog? It's the question I get asked nearly every day.

My answer… You should bathe your dog whenever she's dirty or stinky,

On days when you don't give a full bath, your dog will appreciate a quick foot bath. It helps cleanse salt crystals during winter and grass and more during summer.

A foot bath is a great idea… because, of course, your dog is naked, not wearing shoes or socks, and sweats from the bottom of her paws. Keeping her paws clean will make her more comfortable, and a better companion.

What Toxins Do You Expose Your 4-Legged Family Member to… In the Name of Cleanliness?

Do the ingredients in your dog's shampoo require specific disposal methods? If so, use caution…

You may be someone who judiciously tries to avoid applying potential toxins to your own skin, and keeps your home free and clear of them to the fullest extent possible.

I believe that you'll show your favorite canine the same loving kindness by doing the same for her.

Unfortunately, just as your beauty products may contain toxic ingredients… so can your pet's beauty products (shampoos and soaps).

D-trans Allethrin – from a class of synthetic chemicals called pyrethroids, derived from natural chemicals found in chrysanthemums. Synthetic varieties are significantly more potent and persistent than naturally-occurring products, and can cause allergic responses. Also a suspected endocrine system disruptor. Veterinarians caution against using pyrethroid containing products if there are cats in the home.

Resmethrin – also from the chemical class called pyrethroids. Very toxic to cats; should not be used in a household with cats.

Pyriproxyfen and S-Methoprene – Considered relatively safe with low toxicity. However, data is lacking about their risks when combined with the above chemicals, which may be the case on some pet shampoos.

You could feasibly combine various all natural and organic products to create your own dog shampoo and conditioner.

But honestly, most people don't have the time to do that. So I've taken the time intensity out of the process and created a product which I believe will moisturize your dog's skin while she's getting her bath. If you're as busy as I am, I'm sure you'll appreciate that thoughtfulness.

Which Shampoo is Right for Your Dog?

My new scented dog shampoos are free of harsh chemicals, and are specially formulated to clean and condition your dog's skin and eliminate odor.

USDA certified organic, without sulfates – they are perfect for rejuvenating her skin and creating a beautiful luxurious coat of hair.

My Organic Lavender Shampoo makes your dog's bath time fun and relaxing. It is designed especially for dogs with sensitive skin, and features organic herbal extracts and luxurious moisturizers that won't upset your dog's skin.

Makes bath time fun and relaxing. Perfect for small dogs, puppies, and especially for any dog that gets stressed out over baths.

Is made in the USA

Its appealing scent may make bath time more fun for you and your four-legged family member

On the other hand, if you're seeking a more aromatic shampoo, you might want to try my new Organic Peppermint Shampoo.

Peppermint's main constituent is menthol… famous for its heady, minty aroma and remarkable "cooling sensation." After a long tiring day of romping outside, your pup will really appreciate peppermint's rejuvenating properties. To summarize, Organic Peppermint Shampoo gives your dog:

A rejuvenating bath time

Contains organic herbals and moisturizers (more on those coming up)

Perfect for dogs who enjoy bath time, or who like the smell of peppermint

A terrific way to help reduce dog odors

Is made in the USA

Which do you think your dog would approve?

Incidentally, I also offer Organic Peppermint Conditioner to make it easier to manage your dog's beautiful hair – especially suitable for long haired and double coated breeds. This will moisturize and condition her hair with oils and herbals.

The remaining ingredients for both shampoos are nearly identical to each other.

8 Botanicals Shared by Both Shampoos

Whenever possible, I believe that you should use products directly from nature that moisturize your dog's skin and coat…

I can assure you, I am very concerned about the potential toxins found in so many pet shampoos. But in the area of shampoo, I'm committed to helping you give your pet equal stature in your family with its human members. So I searched for what I believe to be the very best options that not only clean and manage your dog's beautiful coat of hair – but do it in a natural way.

Here's what I found when I searched for what I would be comfortable applying to my own dogs' skin and hair:

Oils and extracts from the neem plant are a natural ingredient that treats your dog's skin with TLC.

Organic Neem Seed Oil and Neem Leaf Extract

Dates back 7,000 years ago in India

Accounts of Neem's revitalizing properties have been recorded through the centuries as a beauty aid for skin and hair

The National Academy of Sciences attaches very high importance to the Neem tree… and the U.N. declared Neem as the "Tree of the 21st century" – alluding to its overriding benefits.

Scientists believe it is safe for mammals

Organic Apple juice

Mildly and gently exfoliates your dog's skin

Moisturizes and softens your dog's skin, for shine and glow

Organic Coconut Oil

Terrific for skin rejuvenation

Helps exfoliate dead skin cells

Organic Sunflower Oil

Is easily absorbed

Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, plus oleic acid, as well as lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids.

Improves the appearance of dry and weathered-looking skin

Organic Sesame Seed Oil

Rich in vitamin E, B complex, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to keep your dog's coat looking loved and cared for

An excellent moisturizer

Put the pure luxurious liquid wax ester of jojoba to work for your precious pup.

Organic Jojoba Seed Oil

Technically, it's not an oil, but a pure and luxurious liquid wax ester used to improve the appearance of dogs' skin

Wouldn't you agree that these ingredients make a great foundation for your dog's finest and most glorious-looking skin and hair – whether or not you ever enter her into a show?

Why We Left Oatmeal Out of These Formulations

We did admittedly leave out an ingredient that's very common to pet shampoos (besides the potential toxins). Why?

I believe you're well-advised to avoid shampoos that include oatmeal.

Some animals have problems with grains and they are also likely to have problems with oatmeal shampoos.

2 Extra Beauty Aids in Organic Peppermint Conditioner

Besides repeats of some of the above-named ingredients, Organic Peppermint Coat Conditioner also contains two additional products from nature – to help promote a beautiful coat of hair for your dog.

Here's how we've got your dog covered:

Organic Shea Butter – An all-natural vitamin A cream from West Central Africa, grown in the wild without pesticides. Highly regarded as a superior, skin moisturizer, that revitalizes and softens skin and hair. Known to eliminate odors.

Organic Olive Oil – Has long been considered a "beauty oil". Softens and moisturizes skin and hair. Adds shine to hair.

So let me ask you…

Isn't Your Precious Canine Deserving of the Very Best in Doggie Hair Care?

Doesn't your 4-legged family member deserve high quality hair care, just as you do?

Remember, you wash and condition your hair on routine. But your dog has to speak cryptically to get her messages across.

Wouldn't it be a big favor to set a routine bath time for her, and give her the TLC hair wash and conditioning she deserves?

Think of it like this…

If you have a set day and time, you know she'll be clean and refreshed, and make a better more satisfied companion for you. During hot weather, you may need to double up on frequency for her, just as you do for yourself.

And in addition, when you take her out and about, she'll be a great representation of the tender loving care you give her.

What's more…

You Can Try it Virtually Risk-Free Today!

I'm so confident you and your favorite canine will love our new Organic Lavender Shampoo, Organic Peppermint Shampoo, and Organic Peppermint Conditioner… that I've arranged for you to try it virtually risk free. Try it for 30 days and if you don't like it, you can return it for a store credit (minus shipping).

You can be confident they contain the best organic ingredients – compliments of nature – that we could find, to bring you and your dog a beautiful, luxurious coat of hair. One of the best-looking fur coats in nature, worthy of your beloved dog.

Why get organic for yourself and then make your doggie settle for second best?

Organic Lavender Shampoo
for Dogs
Net Wt 8 Oz.

Organic Peppermint Shampoo
for Dogs
Net Wt 8 Oz.

Organic Peppermint Conditioner
for Dogs
Net Wt 8 Oz.

Your Price:

$21.97

I am so confident that you will be more than satisfied with your purchase of Healthy Pets Dental Bones for Dogs, I am providing a Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee!

The Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee allows you to receive a full refund* (less shipping charges) when you return an item within 60 days as long as the product is in its original packaging and has at least half of the product remaining. Products returned after 60 days that have at least half of the product remaining will receive store credit (less shipping charges).

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.